Tire-tightener



(ModeL) J RLB EL L. Tire Tightener, N0. 236,87O. I v Patented Jan. .25, I881.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH R. BELL, OF LATHROP, IOWA.

TIRE-TIGHTENER.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 236,870, dated January 25, 1881.

Application filed June 8, 1880.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JosEPH B. BELL, of Lathrop, in the county of Warren and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Devices for Expanding the Rims of Vehicle-Wheels; and I do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable'others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a perspective view. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectionalview, and Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-section taken through the sliding head.

Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

This invention relates to devices for tightening the rims of vehicle-wheels; and it consists in certain improvements in the construction of the same, which will be hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings hereto annexed, A represents an upright or standard provided near its upper end with a series of perforations, B B, in any one of which may be adjusted the fulcrum-pin O of a forked lever, D, the head of which forms an eccentric or cam, E, as shown. Said cam bears against the under side of a head, F, sliding upon the upper end of upright or standard A. The front end of head F is forked at G, to adapt it to fit upon a spoke, and in its rear side is journaleda roller or caster,- H, which bears against the standard A, for the: purpose of reducing friction during operation of the device.

Near the lower end of lever D is pivoted a rod, I, the end of which is threaded and works in a threaded perforation, J, in a link, K. In the opposite end 'of the latter is swiveled a rod, L, provided with a double hook, M, adapted to straddle the upright A, as shown, and be adjusted upon any one of a series of studs, N, arranged upon each side of said upright.

(ModeL) By reference to Fig. l of the drawings the operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understood.

The upright A is supported upon the hub in a somewhat slanting position, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and the lever D so adjusted that the sliding head F may be fitted nicely under one of the fellies, with its forked end fitted upon one of the spokes. The handle of lever D is now lowered and hook M adjusted upon studs N. By turning the link K, by means of a suitable key, the handle of the lever is drawn down with great force, the effect being to raise the sliding head and force the folly outward, thus expanding the rim of the wheel within the tire and holding it in position while washers or other filling-pieces are being inserted.

My improved device, herein described, may be readily and conveniently used as a wagonjack, when so desired. In such case I prefer to substitute for the double hook M a single one, which may be more conveniently adjusted.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States- 1. In a device for expanding the rims of vehicle-Wheels, the combination of an upright or standard, a vertically-adjustable cam-lever, and a sliding head provided with an anti-friction roller bearing against said upright, as set forth.

2. The combination of the upright A, having studs N, vertically-adjustable cam-lever D, having threaded rod I, link K, having threaded perforation J, and swiveled hook M, and the sliding head F, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH B. BELL.

Witnesses:

JAS. O. DAVIS, J. N. EMBREE. 

